The Basics

The Basics: Overview

Health care during pregnancy is called prenatal ("pree-NAY-tuhl") care. Getting prenatal care can help you have a healthier baby. It also lowers the risk of your baby being born too early.

During prenatal care, your doctor or midwife can find any health problems that may come up. A midwife is a health professional who provides health care during pregnancy and helps women during labor (childbirth).

Get regular prenatal checkups.

Schedule a visit with your doctor or midwife as soon as you know you're pregnant, or think you might be. You'll need many checkups with your doctor or midwife during your pregnancy. Don't miss any – they are all important.

Be sure to get all the medical tests that your doctor or midwife recommends. Early treatment can cure many problems and prevent others.

Your doctor or midwife will also check your blood pressure regularly during your pregnancy. High blood pressure during pregnancy can be a sign of preeclampsia (“pree-ih-KLAMP-see-uh”), a health problem that some pregnant women develop. Learn more about preventing preeclampsia.

Talk about your family history.

Share your personal and family health history with your doctor. This will help you and your doctor or midwife decide whether you need any other tests, like genetic testing. Find out more about genetic testing.

The Basics: Diabetes Testing

Get tested for diabetes.

All pregnant women need to get tested for gestational (“jes-TAY-shon-al”) diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that some women develop during pregnancy.

What do I need to know about gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes can lead to health problems for moms and babies – during and after pregnancy. It’s important to get tested so that you and your doctor or midwife can take steps to protect your health and your baby’s health.

The Basics: Cost and Insurance

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law passed in 2010, insurance plans must cover routine prenatal tests. Depending on your insurance, you may be able to get these tests at no cost to you. Talk to your insurance company to find out more.

You can also get help from your state to pay for medical care during pregnancy. There are programs that give medical care, information, advice, and other services that are important for a healthy pregnancy. To find out about the program in your state:

Take Action!

Take Action: Get Prenatal Care

There are lots of things you can do today to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Get regular prenatal care.

Plan on getting a prenatal checkup at least once a month for the first 7 months – and more often during the last 2 months of your pregnancy.

Get important shots.

The whooping cough and flu shots are recommended for all pregnant women. Talk to your doctor or midwife about getting other shots (vaccines) to help protect you and your baby. Learn more about shots for adults.

Keep track of your baby’s movement.

After about 28 weeks of pregnancy, you will probably start to feel your baby move. Keep track of how often your baby moves. If you think your baby is moving less than usual, call your doctor or midwife.

Gain weight in a healthy way.

Remember, pregnancy is not a good time to lose weight. Even if you are overweight, you still need to gain some weight for your baby to grow well. Ask your doctor or midwife how much weight is healthy for you to gain.

Stay active.

Being physically active may help you have a more comfortable pregnancy. Aim for 2 hours and 30 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, like walking fast, dancing, or swimming. Do aerobic activity for at least 10 minutes at a time.

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Monday, March 19, 2018